Bronx Memoir Project

The Bronx Memoir Project (BMP) is a community-based writing project that encourages a cross-generational, multi-ethnic collective of Bronx residents to tell their stories firsthand. Participants engage in free workshops, led by a professional writers, culminating in the opportunity to submit their work for publication in the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology.

"BCA is the only place I can find free writting workshops like these...It has had a great impact on my life and writing career. I've met fellow artists and formed great community through them." - Ron Trenckler-Thomson

Geared toward avocational and early-career writers, the only requirements for BMP participation are residency in The Bronx and having a story to tell. Workshops cover a variety of literary short-forms, from poetry and non-fiction to short stories and essays.

The BMP Anthologies gather tales of homecoming, liberty, loss, and love – a mosaic of colors and textures that could only be produced in a place as dynamic and diverse as The Bronx. Prior Volumes are available for purchase.

Workshops are led by experienced writers and teaching artists, and consist of trust-building and contextualizing exercises, style and technique, sharing and feedback, and editing tips to prepare participants’ submissions for publication.

Upcoming Workshops

There are no upcoming events at this time

BMP 2022-2023 Anthology Series

The 2022-2023 BMP offered three interactive sessions of four workshops each, focusing on Prose, Poetry, and Memoir Writing. A total of 16 workshops were offered in the fall and spring.

BMP culminated with the publication of the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology Vol. VII at an annual book launch in June of 2023. View the livestream of the book launch below.

BMP 2021-2022 Anthology Series

The 2021-2022 BMP offered six interactive sessions of four workshops each, focusing on the following genres of memoir writing: Personal Story and Short Stories. A total of 24 workshops were offered in the fall and spring.

BMP culminated with the publication of the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology Vol. VI at an annual book launch in June of 2022.

BMP 2020-2021 Anthology Series

The 2020-2021 BMP offered six interactive sessions of four workshops each, focusing on the following genres of memoir writing: Personal Story, Essay Writing, and Narrative Poetry. A total of 24 workshops were offered in the fall and spring completely online. Thanks to our online platform, the BMP community was able to reach even beyond The Bronx with anthology contributors in Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands and more!

BMP culminated with the publication of the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology Vol. V at an annual book launch, all held virtually, in June of 2021.

2019-2020 Anthology Series

The enhanced 2019-2020 BMP offered six intensive sessions of four workshops each, focusing on Narrative Poetry, Narrative Non-Fiction, and Essay Writing. A total of 24-workshops were offered in the fall and spring with a successful online transition as the COVID-19 pandemic had hit The Bronx.

BMP culminated with the publication of the Bronx Memoir Project Anthology Volume IV and a heart-warming virtual book launch celebration in June 2020.

2018-2019 Anthology Series

The 2018-2019 BMP culminated in the Bronx Memoir Project Volume III Anthology and book launched in June 2019. We thank the 113 participants, 43 Anthology contributors, 11 teaching artists, and Project Coordinator Crystal Valentine for the success of this year’s program. We also thank Poe Park Visitor Center, BronxArtSpace, and the NYPL branches of Kingsbridge and Mott Haven for generously hosting the workshops.

This meaningful program is made possible in part with support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).